A PUB argument led two men to appear in court to face a total of six charges.

Gareth Swainston, 29 and Thomas Hurman, 20, both of Rockwell Avenue, Darlington, each admitted three offences each.

The court heard the pair had been arguing with another man at the Springfield pub on Salters Lane South, Darlington, on December 7. When things started to get physical, two women intervened.

Prosecutor Graham Jacobs said Swainston bent one of the women’s fingers back as she tried to pull him away and he pushed the other woman against a wall.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and one of threatening behaviour.

He also admitted the offences put him in breach of a conditional discharge imposed in June.

Mr Jacobs said Hurman ran away when officers arrived but was soon caught and found to be carrying a small amount of cocaine.

He admitted possession of the Class A drug, resisting an officer and using threatening behaviour.

Jonathan Harley, mitigating, said both men had drunk far too much alcohol that day because they were celebrating Hurman’s birthday.

He said they were “profoundly ashamed” of their actions, adding that Swainston was not a big drinker and Hurman had now cut down on his binge drinking.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a probation report and both men will be return to Darlington Magistrates' Court for sentencing on January 30.